A guide to…
SURVIVING ASSESSMENT From Bristol SU, providing support for: • Exams • Assessments • Dissertations • Your Thesis
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This guide is brought to you by the Bristol SU Just Ask team. Bristol SU’s Just Ask service provides advice, mediation and support for students - not just at exam time, but throughout your university experience.
Contents Getting ready for exams
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Revision tips
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Where can you study?
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Stress and relaxation
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Sleep
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Keep active
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Eating healthily
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What to do if things go wrong... 14 Who’s here to help?
Kindly supported by
bristolsu.org.uk/justask/ bristolsu-justask@bristol.ac.uk 0117 331 8634
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Hello We all know that the exam periods can be stressful and affect us both mentally and physically. And the same goes for any other form of assessment - things like coursework, practicals, dissertations, theses and vivas can all take their toll. But Bristol SU is here to give you support and advice! This guide has been put together by our Just Ask advice service to help keep you calm and successful: whatever you’re studying for. Just Ask’s advisers can help with anything from revision tips to what to do if things go wrong. We specialise in advice on academic issues, such as: • •
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Submitting Extenuating Circumstances Appeals against exam board decisions (including Research Degree Examination Boards). Helping students with University hearings, such as plagiarism and cheating interviews, disciplinaries and fitness to practice panels. Postgraduate-specific issues such as supervision, progress concern or the “At Risk” process.
You can get in touch with a Just Ask adviser via email at bristolsu-justask@bristol.ac.uk, or on 0117 331 8634. There’s also loads of information on our website at bristolsu.org.uk/justask/academic/ exams. Good luck, and don’t forget we’re here if you need anything! Just Ask
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Feeling tired? Try cloudspotting. Your eyes have special light sensitive receptors which relay your surrounding light levels to a gland in your brain called the pineal gland. In darkness the pineal gland produces Melatonin, a hormone which causes drowsiness in your body. Daylight inhibits the secretion of Melatonin. By lifting your field of vision to cloud level your body is able to lift your mood.
bristolsu.org.uk/justask/ bristolsu-justask@bristol.ac.uk 0117 331 8634
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Getting ready for exams Here are some of the things that might need some planning prior to your exam period. Extra Time: If you need extra time or support in exams because of a disability (including dyslexia), make sure you speak to Disability Services in plenty of time for your exams. More info on who can help you can be found on page 16. Location: Make sure you know where your exams are being held. Your exam timetable can be accessed via StudentInfo (and it’s your responsibility to check this!). You can check the location of your exam venues at bristol.ac.uk/exams/exam-venues or call Nightline on 01179 266 266. More details about Nightline on page 17. Exam Rules: Double check your School’s guidance on what you can take into the exam. Make sure you’re not taking anything into the exam which is unauthorised as this is a disciplinary offence and is taken very seriously by the University. Language: If English is not your first language, you may be allowed to take a translation dictionary into the exams with you. You will need to fill out an ‘Authorisation for the use of a translation dictionary in examinations’ form, which your Head of School (or their nominee) has to sign too. You can access the form at bristol.ac.uk/exams/alternative. Problems: If you think there’s anything affecting your performance in an assessment (for example, illness or bereavement) it is very important that you submit an extenuating circumstances form. There’s more information about this process on page 14.
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Revision Tips There are loads of ways to revise - the trick is to find the methods that work best for you. Revision requires a lot of self-motivation and concentration. It is important to be sensible in your approach and not overdo it. Make a revision plan with time allocated to each topic; but leave some room for flexibility so you can make changes and take breaks.
Start! No matter how late
Don’t ignore the topics
you’ve left it – there’s no
you don’t like or don’t find
time like the present.
interesting, count the topics you cover rather than the
Collect all your notes together.
hours you spend.
Make sure there aren’t any gaps in your information. If
Use past papers – practise
there is, look for it in another
answering questions (and
source or ask your tutor/friends
assessing your answers).
for help.
Timing yourself is a great way to prepare yourself for writing
Take breaks. Don’t try to revise
under exam conditions.
too much in one go - for active revision breaks see page 17. Actively revise – don’t just read your notes; write down key points, try to recall important issues on a separate piece of paper, make mind maps and talk to a friend about what you are revising.
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Where can you study? Libraries may be the obvious choice, but there are lots of options for places to study. These include: • • •
The ten University libraries – all of which are open to you and have extended opening hours during assessment period A variety of open access study spaces for students around the University and residences, including cafés, common rooms and computer rooms. And, for the assessment period, the Library has arranged hundreds of extra study spaces around campus.
In total nearly 3,600 study places are available during the revision and assessment period – you can choose what suits you best. Full daily details of the location and availability of these spaces, together with library opening times, can be found on the library website at bris.ac.uk/library/study/spaces. The computer centre has 24-hour opening throughout the year. The Arts and Social Sciences Library has 24-hour opening during revision periods. All the libraries have wi-fi throughout and a mix of powered and unpowered study spaces, along with varying numbers of computers. The new Senate House Study Centre and the refurbished Hawthorns study areas have 325 study places in total; both spaces have computers, a variety of seating and wi-fi throughout to accommodate both quiet and collaborative study. Group study rooms are available in the Arts and Social Sciences Library, Chemistry Library, Medical Library, Queen’s Building Library, Veterinary Sciences Library and the Hawthorns. The IT Services Student Study Spaces website can help you locate a computer room or a wireless hotspot in a study space, including halls of residence, and find out more about its availability for your use: bris.ac.uk/it-services/locations/studyspaces
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Stress
Relaxation
Whilst the adrenalin and pressure can have a positive effect on some, others find themselves overwhelmed with anxiety.
Relaxing is a skill we can learn. Some simple things to do are:
It’s probably not possible to completely eliminate stress but some of the pressure can definitely be alleviated. If stress gets the better of you then performance in your assessments, happiness, and your health can suffer. High levels of stress can cause an excessive production of adrenaline resulting in headaches, racing heart, fatigue, irritability and sleeping problems.
Need some help?
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Practise tensing and relaxing each muscle group in turn starting with your toes and working your way up the body (you can do this in the library)
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Focus on your breathing. Practise breathing deeply, evenly and slowly
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Go for a relaxation massage, the Sport Centre offers cheap massages on Wednesdays: £15 for 30 minutes
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Listen to relaxing nature sounds, such as summer meadows and warm spring thunderstorms. You can find great playlists and mixes on Youtube
It’s perfectly normal to be a bit anxious, but if it’s causing you serious problems then there are people you can go to for support. Find out who you can talk to on page 16.
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Br e at he i n
s l o w ly
g e n t ly deeply br eat h e ou t repeat
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Sleep If you are tired, it’s hard to concentrate and maintain perspective. If you’re finding it difficult to drop off, cut down on stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol. Allow time to unwind before bed. A good thing to do is try not to be exposed to a computer screen one hour before you go to bed. The key to feeling refreshed is having a regular pattern. Getting regular exercise helps, but not immediately before bed. Try not to worry too much if you are not sleeping as well as you usually do; you will still be able to function, think logically and do difficult mental tasks. You can actually sustain sleep deficit for a few days, just make sure you catch up on any lost hours eventually.
Switch off your computer/phone one hour before you go to bed and do something else instead: take a bath, listen to music, talk to friends.
Turn off before you go to bed. Light from electronic gadgets can have an influence on your melatonin production which affects your sleep cycle.
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r a place to
es
Don’t work on your bed – keep bed for relaxing and sleeping
our head y t Listen to the sounds of nature (incl. the ocean, rain and mountains) on calm.com to help you fall asleep. Also try one of their guided relaxations.
We'll listen not lecture
Bristol SU Nightline Bristol SU Nightline is a telephonebased listening and information service. It’s run by students, for students, and everything you say is confidential and anonymous. They are happy to listen to anything you want to talk about. They also have exam timetables, if you need help remembering where yours is! 01179 266 266. 8pm - 8am every day during term.
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Get Active Keeping active is a great stress-buster. Even if you’re not ‘sporty’, or don’t usually do much exercise, a little exercise can make a huge difference to your mood. Including some exercise in your day will boost energy and clear your head. It doesn’t have to be a two-hour gym session or a five-mile run. A brisk walk is great exercise and doesn’t need specialist kit or planning. Here are a few active revision breaks you can take around Bristol. •
• • • • •
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Join in a Get Active session. Get Active sessions run throughout the year and offer easy access to sports and activities including lacrosse, dodgeball, sitting volleyball, volleyball, badminton, netball and squash. For more information visit bristolsu.org.uk/activities/sports Play basketball in Brandon Hill Park Walk to the shops and buy a banana; they help your body produce serotonin, which can make you feel calm and happy Visit the Zoo Play on the swings by Redland Station or by the Suspension Bridge Go for a walk on the Downs
Studies show that our attention span deteriorates rapidly after 45 minutes of study. Try to revise in 45 minute bursts, and then take a 15 minute break before you begin again.
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Eating Healthily What we eat and drink influences not only physical performance but mental performance too. If you want to boost concentration, memory and mood in the run up to exams try some of these: • • • • • •
Eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day Have oily fish every week Cut down on the “bad” fats in your diet - go easy on the fast food and takeaways Have a high carbohydrate, low-sugar breakfast to start the day — porridge, noodles, bread or cereal Try to eat regular meals and pack a healthy snack of nuts, apples or carrot sticks to refuel your brain as well as your body Drink plenty of fluid, but go easy on the caffeinated and sugary drinks
During exam time it’s easy to get into the habit of surviving on takeaways and ready meals and drinking coffee after coffee, but making sure you get a balanced, healthy diet is crucial to keep you functioning at an optimum level. There are lots of good ideas at bristolsu.org.uk/justask. What can you do to counteract spending lots of money on takeaway? • • •
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Set up a cooking rota with your housemates during exam time If you enjoy cooking make it something to look forward to at the end of a day’s revision Consider cooking a large batch of something like a soup on your revision day off – nourishing and easy to reheat
Worried about food or eating? Don’t be, we’re here. If you have been struggling with an eating disorder, and you are worried that it may affect your exam performance, speak to a Just Ask Adviser about how to submit extenuating circumstances. The University is generally very understanding about these issues – but you need to let them know if your studies are being affected. We also encourage students to talk to their GP; the Student Health Service is particularly experienced in helping students with eating disorders. Find out more at bristol.ac.uk/students-health. The Bristol SU eating disorders support group meets fortnightly in the Students’ Union building; for more information please visit bristolsu.org.uk/justask/supportgroups. The group is run by students, for students and is completely confidential.
bristolsu.org.uk/justask/ bristolsu-justask@bristol.ac.uk 0117 331 8634
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What to do if things go wrong... If things don’t go so well, or you have problems on the day, don’t panic! There is advice and support available, no matter what the problem. Some of the more common questions we’re asked are dealt with below, but don’t forget that a Just Ask Adviser can talk through your options with you if you are worried.
I was having a really tough time during the assessment period – is there anything I can do? •
If you think your performance in any assessment was affected by personal matters (for example, illness or bereavement), it is really important that you submit extenuating circumstances to your School as soon as possible, so that they can be considered by the University before the relevant exam board meets.
•
At the latest, you should submit extenuating circumstances within two working days of the last assessment you complete in the assessment period which is affected.
•
Extenuating circumstances have to be submitted in writing: just having a chat with your personal tutor isn’t enough. Check with your School whether there is a special form for you to fill out.
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For more information take a look at our guide at bristolsu.org.uk/ justask/academic
For guidance on how to submit, speak to a Just Ask Adviser. •
Don’t forget – you will need to make sure that the extenuating circumstances you submit cover every assessment that you consider was affected by your problems.
I missed my exam! •
You must tell your School as soon as possible if you’re unable to attend an assessment – for whatever reason. Ask them to tell you what information or form you need to submit.
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If there is a medical reason for your missing the exam, try to see a doctor on the day of the exam and get a doctor’s sick note as soon as possible. If you’re registered with the Student Health Service, their guidelines for this procedure are at bristol. ac.uk/students-health/services/ medical-certificates.
•
This also applies if you have to leave during an exam because of illness. If you do have to leave, make sure you tell the invigilators and ensure they write/record this
as an incident. •
If you have missed an exam you must complete and return an extenuating circumstances form (see above) – ask your School for one.
I’m really worried I’ve failed... •
Don’t panic! It’s really difficult to judge how you got on until you have your results. Try not to dwell on how you think you did.
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When you get your results, take on board any feedback and think about how you can improve going forward.
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If you have failed, you should be told if you have the option of re-sitting any failed units. If you’re concerned about the information you’re given by the University - or don’t understand what it means, you can speak to a Just Ask Adviser. bristolsu.org. uk/justask
I’ve been accused of cheating/plagiarism – help! •
If you are accused of cheating or plagiarism, we strongly recommend that you speak to a Just Ask Adviser. Please keep copies of any correspondence you receive from the University, and show this to the adviser. This will help us to help you.
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Take a look at the University’s
Examination Regulations at bristol.ac.uk/secretary/studentrules-regs – this will help you to understand what happens next.
I’m not happy with my results •
Speak to your tutor to get some feedback and help you to understand why you got the grade you did.
•
You can appeal against decisions made by the board of examiners (for example, the grade to received or a decision not to allow you to progress). You have 15 working days from the date you’re notified of your grade to appeal against it.
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The University will only consider appeals which are brought under the grounds for appeal specified in their Examination Regulations at bristol.ac.uk/secretary/ studentrulesregs/examregs. html#appeal : you can’t just appeal because you think you should have got a better grade!
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If you want to appeal, we strongly recommend that you speak to a Just Ask Adviser as soon as possible.
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WHO CAN HELP? Student Counselling Service • • •
Weekly drop-in sessions Wednesdays from 2.45-3.45pm Therapeutic groups and workshops ‘Beating the Blues’- a computer programme designed to help individuals suffering from mild to moderate anxiety and/or depression
bris.ac.uk/student-counselling 0117 954 6655 3rd Floor, Hampton House (above the Student Health Service), St Michaels Hill
Disability Services • • •
bristol.ac.uk/disability-services disability-services@bristol.ac.uk 0117 331 0444 Lower Ground Floor, Hampton House, St Michaels Hill
Student Health Service •
Students’ Union Free, confidential and independent advice on University regulations and processes such as appeals, plagiarism and extenuating circumstances bristolsu.org.uk/justask bristolsu-justask@bristol.ac.uk 0117 331 8634 Richmond Building, Queens Road, Clifton, BS8 1LN
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Advice and information for disabled students Screening for certain unseen disabilities Support around accessing services for disabled students
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Advice and support on medical issues such as stress or anxiety Doctor’s notes if required
bristol.ac.uk/students-health admin@gp-L81133.nhs.uk 0117 330 2720 Hampton House, St Michaels Hill
Library Services
Bristol SU Nightline
Your Subject Librarian can provide support and advice when you need to use library resources. Find more information at bristol.ac.uk/library/ support/subjects
Run buy students, for students, Nightline is an overnight telephone listening and information service. • Open 8pm - 8am every night during term-time • Confidential, anonymous and non-judgemental
Library help specifically for international students is also available: bris.ac.uk/library/using/international angela.joyce@bristol.ac.uk 0117 3316790 Subject Librarians’ Office, 1st Floor of the Arts and Social Sciences Library Tyndall Avenue
Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health • •
Advice and information about staying healthy during revision Events and activities to help students keep active and well during exams
bris.ac.uk/sport/healthyliving healthy-lifestyle@bris.ac.uk 0117 928 8810 Tyndall Avenue
bristolsu.org.uk/justask/supportgroups 0117 926 6266
Your Personal Network Don’t forget that you can get support from people around you – your course mates and housemates are probably worrying about the exact same things as you! Make time to chat and look out for each other. Friends outside of the University, or your parents, can also be really helpful if you want some objective advice. University staff such as Senior Residents oryour Personal Tutor are also on hand to help if you need them.
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This Assessment Survival guide is brought to you by the Bristol SU Just Ask team Full of hints and tips to get you through this assessment season, this guide will help you deal with stress, plan your revision schedule, get better sleep and relax your mind. Bristol SU is here to support you.
bristolsu.org.uk/justask bristolsu-justask@bristol.ac.uk 0117 331 8634
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Please pass this guide to a friend once you’ve finished with it